Milwaukee County

Milwaukee County is an administrative district in southeastern Wisconsin that stretches along the shore of Lake Michigan, encompassing 19 municipalities plus the city of Milwaukee itself. The district is crossed by the Milwaukee River, which winds through the landscape and empties into the lake at several points.

The district was formally established in 1835 during the Michigan Territory period, when Wisconsin did not yet exist as a separate state. Over the following decades, it grew into an industrial center with breweries, factories, and harbor activity on the lake.

The name comes from the Milwaukee River, whose designation likely derives from an Algonquin language referring to good land or gathering waters. Along the lakefront promenade, festivals and public events take place year-round, drawing visitors and locals alike.

An extensive bus network connects all municipalities within the district and offers regular service to parks, cultural sites, and residential neighborhoods. General Mitchell International Airport lies south of the city and is easily reached by major roads.

The water area of the district includes not just shoreline sections but also portions of Lake Michigan itself, reaching far beyond the visible coastline. These large water areas influence the local climate and create cooler summers and milder winters than in other parts of Wisconsin.

Location: Wisconsin

Inception: 1835

Capital city: Milwaukee

Shares border with: Ozaukee County, Racine County, Waukesha County, Washington County, Muskegon County, Ottawa County

Website: http://county.milwaukee.gov

GPS coordinates: 43.00000,-87.96713

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:52